So I went to a conference in Ljubljana and it turns out: I’m glad I did! Not so much because of the conference, that was rather dull, but because of Ljubljana.

When my boss first asked me about 2 weeks ago whether I could imagine going to Ljubljana to interpret at a conference of my company, I was “Yes, of course, I can do that” while on the inside I was all “Whereto? Ljubljana? Let me ask Wikipedia where it is first…”. Turns out, Ljubljana is the capital of Slovenia which is the northernmost of the former Yugoslavian states. I am not so good at geography, especially when it comes to those states. I am working on it, I promise. Especiall now that I know that it was once part of the Carolingian Empire.

Ljubljana is just a little bigger than Aachen and that makes it the largest city of the country. Okydoky, I can do that. Surprisingly, it is not too easy to get there from Aachen, as it is not only pretty far away but also not the most thought after place of business, I guess. There is no direct flight from Düsseldorf, so I took a bit of a tour throuhg Mid-Europe this week. First from Düsseldorf to Vienna, then on to Ljubljana. Both airports were rather small and not very entertaining, which was a pity as I was stuck at both for quite some time, waiting for flights. It was worth it though, as I have never stayed in a hotel as nice as Hotel Slon before, where my own DVD player was waiting in my room. The highlight, however, was the shoeshine machine on every floor, which was instantly employed until all shoes where as shiny as never before. I love shoeshine machines!

The hotel is situated about 90 seconds from the city center and features reasonable rates, so if, stay there. No, they are not paying me for saying that, I just enjoyed the stay, even if it was for work. Of course, I booked my flights for times that allowed a bit of sightseeing. I arrived on Monday night at 7 pm and the city was empty as on a very, very late Sunday night. Hm. The city that never sleeps is another one, I know, but that was very scary. I took a short round-trip through the center just to get my legs working after hours on public transportation (train, aircrafts, airport shuttles…) and got a quick impression of how mediterranean the city feels, even with temperatures well below 0°C. With its beautiful baroque and art-nouveau-style villas at the river, the Ljubljanica, it reminded me a lot of Venice with its canals, just without the Lido.

The day I left I got up in time to enjoy the walk through the old part of town that my tour guide recommended. I started at the Franciscan church on Prešeren square, named after the famous poet, where a construction of three bridges crosses the river. I turn left, passing the baroque St. Nicholas cathedral towards Vodnik square, where a market makes me all happy as markets feature the most interesting objects of everyday life of a country.

The city’s symbol is the Ljubljana Dragon, which is visible everywhere, but most obviously depicted on the Ljubljanica-crossing Dragon Bridge. It symbolises power, courage and greatness, so it could be my symbol as well, I guess. Residence also call it the “mother-in-law” bridge, alluding to the fearsome dragons on its four corners. At least that is what Wikipedia says. I go back to Vodnik square and then, climbing up a very steep path, I reach the castle that proudly resides on a hill above the city. The path is so steep, it is really tought to climb uphill. Every three seconds I stop to enjoy what the tour guides informs me is a beautiful view over the old part of town. However, I can only imagine the beauty, as Slovenia bids me farewell with heavy snow and fog. Thanks a lot, but everything still looks gorgeous. At the foot of the castle’s walls, having succesffuly regained my strength to resume walking and having returned to normal breathing, I see a funicular that connects the city center with the castle. Thank you it was closed that early in the morning, I think I may have thrown myself down on the ground, whining.

The walk back down the hill towards St. Florian church is quite steep, too, but features cobblestone, which is even more slippery than the snow itself on the other side of the hill. Maybe that is why sledding is a winter sport? I take the route back along the river, while the snow is still trying to tell me who’s the boss here. After a quick stop at the town hall, I return to the hotel to warm up and wait for the airport shuttle. What a beautiful city, I am sure I will return to enjoy a typical Slovenian doughnut outside a café in the sun. Hooray for Ljubljana.

– Cati Basmati is still losing all that Christmas weight

Autor: Cati Basmati, Blog: www.catibasmati.blogspot.com

Bilder: Cati Basmati

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